Drug Intervention For A Loved One

An approach to intervening a drug addiction involving a loved one.

People who use and abuse drugs often don’t realize that their behavior is out of control or destructive.

Watching a loved one struggle with addiction can be painful and challenging. We don’t like to cast our judgments onto those we love. We sometimes fear that we will offend or hurt a friend or family member by pointing out their problem. This fear is often inspired by a fear of losing them or making the situation worse by inflaming their defensiveness or triggering more drug use. The reality of addiction, however, is that those we love often need a helping hand to get out of the rut.

People who use and abuse drugs often don’t realize that their behavior is out of control or destructive. They look at their peers who indulge and assume the behavior is normal. Many peer groups and social situations encourage and promote specific drug use as a social lubricant or bonding mechanism, like having drinks with coworkers, stepping out for a cigarette with a friend, or sparking up a joint at a party. Drug use that appears to be moderated and controlled can actually be a runaway destructive behavior that an addict doesn’t even notice until it’s too late.

In the past, substance abuse counselors believed that only addicts who were self-motivated to achieve sobriety would be willing to undergo treatment. It has been discovered, however, that reluctant victims of substance abuse can indeed be encouraged to undergo treatment if a skilled professional stages a drug abuse intervention.

In order to find the motivation for getting help, many drug users need to receive objective feedback about their drug use from those closest to them.

In order to find the motivation for getting help, many drug users need to receive objective feedback about their drug use from those closest to them. Friends and family members can provide a revelatory awakening for the addicted in the form of a drug abuse intervention.

Tips for Planning an Intervention

Do you know someone who is suffering from a drug addiction? If you find yourself feeling helpless and concerned for someone you love and would like to lend a helping hand, contact an addiction treatment professional and ask for advice on staging an addiction intervention. The goal of an intervention is to surround the addict with loved ones who can show him or her the severe mental and physical consequences of the drug abuse, as well as the destruction that the behavior is causing in the lives of friends and family.

Keep in mind that this intervention is not meant to be an attack on the addict...

Keep in mind that this intervention is not meant to be an attack on the addict and should not be approached with anger or aggression, which will only cause the person to respond with defensiveness and hurt. Rather, approach the intercession with love and honesty, explaining to the addicted how their behavior has caused harm around them.

Use specific examples in a non-threatening and non-accusatory manner that suggests a desire for healing, not for apologies or punishment.

These sessions should take place in a private setting when the person is sober and should be planned out and rehearsed to ensure the inevitable emotional upheaval doesn’t overwhelm those present and derail the discussion.

Ideally, appoint someone as the leader of the intervention to avoid talking over one another, which can cause the addict to feel overwhelmed as his peers and family gang up on him.

92% of people who experience an intervention staged by friends and family go on to seek treatment.

It may seem like a risk, possibly driving a troubled friend further into destructive behavior, but according to Addiction Intervention Resources, an addiction consulting organization, 92 percent of people who experience an intervention staged by friends and family go on to seek treatment. This is an incredibly encouraging statistic and proof enough that if you know someone who is suffering from substance abuse problems, planning an intervention is a worthwhile endeavor.

When you plan and stage a drug intervention for someone with the help of an addiction treatment professional, your offer them the opportunity to turn their life around and achieve lasting recovery.